Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation of Jac Tyler, Operations Manager, Children and Young People’s Services which provided an overview of the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Service, Looked After Children and Child Protection Annual Reports for the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017.  The Annual Report was attached to the report as Appendix 2 (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

Councillor Darkes referred to the main causes for dispute being delays and he asked what causes the delays and whether measures had been put in place to avoid delays in future.  The Operations Manager replied that, in relation to delays in progressing care plans, care plans are very closely scrutinised and there are very tight timescales in place.  Where timescales are not met, the matter is escalated to a senior officer and a dispute resolution process is initiated.  The Operations Manager informed the Panel that delays are often caused by external factors such as those resulting from expert assessments, or, in cases where parents have a learning disability.  Some delays have been caused by staffing levels. 

Members commented that the figure of 94% of reviews being held within the timescales was an excellent achievement.

Resolved:

The Panel:

              i.        Noted the contents of the report;

            ii.        Noted the development of processes to identify, escalate and address practice concerns for looked after children and children with a child protection plan;

           iii.        Noted the analysis of practice and the identification of areas for improvement required of Children and Young People’s Services.

The Panel considered a report and presentation of Jac Tyler, Operations Manager, Children and Young People’s Services which provided an overview of the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Service, Looked After Children and Child Protection Annual Reports for the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017.  The Annual Report was attached to the report as Appendix 2 (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

Councillor Darkes referred to the main causes for dispute being delays and he asked what causes the delays and whether measures had been put in place to avoid delays in future.  The Operations Manager replied that, in relation to delays in progressing care plans, care plans are very closely scrutinised and there are very tight timescales in place.  Where timescales are not met, the matter is escalated to a senior officer and a dispute resolution process is initiated.  The Operations Manager informed the Panel that delays are often caused by external factors such as those resulting from expert assessments, or, in cases where parents have a learning disability.  Some delays have been caused by staffing levels. 

Members commented that the figure of 94% of reviews being held within the timescales was an excellent achievement.

Resolved:

The Panel:

           iv.        Noted the contents of the report;

            v.        Noted the development of processes to identify, escalate and address practice concerns for looked after children and children with a child protection plan;

           vi.        Noted the analysis of practice and the identification of areas for improvement required of Children and Young People’s Services.